Monday, December 23, 2013

Organic.org

Organic.org


Salt Dough Ornaments

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 04:02 PM PST



Working with salt dough is a fun and very inexpensive way to make some personalized heirloom ornaments this year. There is something so special about handmade ornaments. They give your home a personal feel and create lifelong memories for you and your children. They also make great gifts for friends and loved ones.

Making these heirloom holiday decorations is easier than you think. With this simple recipe you'll have adorable, handmade (not to mention, non-toxic and eco-friendly) ornaments to show off to your friends and family.

What you'll need:
  • 4 cups organic, all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fine sea salt
  • 1-1 1/2 cup warm water
  • Assorted cookie cutters
  • Paint, glitter or embellishments of choice
  • Ribbon (for hanging)


Instructions:
  1. Mix the flour and salt together well. Incorporate water a little bit at a time until you have a firm ball of dough. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour until the desired consistency is reached.
  2. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes. Make a small hole near the top for hanging. Carve in designs or features with a toothpick. Lift shape carefully when transferring to baking sheet.
  3. Bake on parchment lined baking sheet at 325ยบ for 20 to 30 minutes or until completely hardened.
  4. Allow to cool, then decorate with paints, fabric scraps, ribbon, etc. or leave them to their natural beauty. Hang with ribbon or hooks anywhere you feel needs a little holiday cheer.
[via Vitacost]

Seven Reasons to Eat More Dark Chocolate

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 09:09 AM PST


More and more health reasons for eating dark chocolate keep coming in. Many will be pointed out here, then explained further in the sources indicated by numbers in parenthesis. But first, understand that organic dark chocolate brought into the market place under fair trade agreements is best.

Some of the major cheap chocolate producers use child slaves in Africa to pick cacao. The more dark the chocolate with less sugar, milk, and other ingredients, the closer it is to cacao. A range of at least 70% to 90% cacao in dark chocolate is both tasty and healthy.

Milk chocolate contains milk, which negates the health benefits, and sugar, which feeds cancer cells. Avoid it.

According to Dr. Debra Miller's statement in Chemistry Central Journal , "Cacao seeds are a 'Super Fruit' providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition."

Interestingly, one doesn't have to gorge lots of chocolate every day to get the health benefits. A little treat, like a square or two daily will support good health.

A study of almost 20,000 participants in Germany concluded that those who ate 7.5 grams of dark chocolate a day received most of the heart protection benefits of chocolate. Organic dark chocolate bars are usually 100 grams.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Cardiac and stroke protection : Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, which lowers risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Reduces risk of colon cancer : Cocoa polyphenols from dark chocolate reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This was determined in a study by the Science and Technology Institute of Food and Nutrition in Spain, which was published in the journal Molecular Nutrition.

Healthy fats :The fat in chocolate does little to raise cholesterol. It contains abundant oleic acid, the type of fatty acid found in olive oil, which helps prevent heart disease and promote antioxidant activity.

Enhances glucose metabolism : Dark chocolate (70% plus) candy bars inhibit blood sugar issues to help prevent diabetes and obesity. How's that for a surprise!

Improves mood : Studies have shown that dark chocolate contains serotonin and increases endorphin production. It's a natural anti-depressant.

Improves brain function : Nottingham University professor Ian MacDonald used MRI analysis to determine improved brain activity with people who had just consumed cocoa drinks. 

Eases PMS issues : Here's a hint for husbands and boyfriends to give dark chocolate to your wives and lady friends.

There you have it
: many reasons to enjoy organic dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao. There are brands with 80% to 90% as well. These aren't your kiddy chocolates with lots of sugar or milk or creamy nugget fillings, etc. They are semi-sweet at best.

The more bitter the better. It's not difficult to get used to if you really like chocolate. Enjoy chocolate with the knowledge that it's actually good for you.


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